Director Briefing - May 6, 2024
OWWL Reports Update
Bob sent out an update on OWWL Reports last week. No more pls-net. Thanks, Bob!The OWWL Reports server has been moved to a new location: https://reports.owwl.org This includes:
- Scheduled Report Output
- Ad Hoc Reports
- Wireless Reports
- Linux Activity Reports
Unreliable Text Message Notifications for Available Holds
Dan sent this email out last week about text message notifications for available holds. Let us know if you or your staff have any questions by emailing evergreen@owwl.org.We've received a number of reports this week about SMS message notifications acting unreliably. Reported incidents include:Verizon cellphones seem to be primarily affected, though the unreliability likely may extend to other carriers which operate on Verizon's network, including Spectrum Mobile, Straight Talk, Total Wireless, and some TracFone numbers. I haven't seen reports of other carriers, and test text messages delivered to other carriers, like T-Mobile, seem to still be working reliably. According to our records, messages are still being sent correctly, so this appears to be a problem on the carrier end. We are looking into alternative ways of ensuring that text messages are reliably delivered. We've also added a message to Aspen to inform patrons. If you have any questions, please email evergreen@owwl.org.
- Libraries receiving bounceback messages to their circ email addresses even after the text message may have been delivered.
- Messages being delivered with significant delays -- sometimes several days after being sent.
- Possibly messages being delivered more than once.
DLD Released 2023 Edition of the Trustee Handbook on LibGuides
The 2023 Edition of the Trustee Handbook is now available on LibGuides. In addition to the PDF copy, this version is easily searchable. If you haven't received your physical copies of the Trustee Handbook yet, we will be handing some out at the Trustee Workshop at Sodus on May 15. I am still planning on hand-delivering physical copies.Number of Trustees by Library Type
Reminder from DLD this week on the ranges of trustees for each Library type, from the State Library's Types of Public Libraries: A Comparison:- Association: 5-25 trustees
- Municipal: 5-15 trustees
- School District: 5-15
- Special District: determined by enabling legislations.
This Week in OSC Audits
| Audit | Key Findings | Takeaways for Libraries |
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| Town of Lincoln | The Board and former Supervisor did not ensure that disbursements were adequately supported and properly approved.
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| Town of Lincoln | The former Clerk did not properly account for, deposit, report or remit collections. When receipts are not accurately and promptly recorded or deposited, officials do not have assurance that all collections are accounted for, and money could be lost or misappropriated. For example, as of April 13, 2022, the former Clerk could not account for cash totaling $3,869.The former Clerk also did not:
The Town Board (Board) did not perform an annual audit of the former Clerk’s records, as required. In July 2023, the former Clerk was arrested on charges of petit larceny for stealing nearly $4,000 from the Town. In February 2024, she pled guilty to the theft, paid full restitution of $3,869 and received a one-year conditional discharge. |
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| Raquette Lake Union Free School District | The Board and District officials did not provide effective oversight of the Business Office operations. Specifically, the Board did not:
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| Pembroke Central School District | District officials did not develop and manage a comprehensive investment program. From January 1, 2022 through April 30, 2023, the District earned investment earnings totaling over $153,000 from money on deposit in its 15 bank accounts at two financial institutions, which had an average of $13.4 million available for investing. Had officials considered other legally permissible investment options, the District may have earned approximately $390,000, or $237,000 more than earned. District officials did not:
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| Village of Unadilla | Village officials did not always use a competitive process when purchasing goods or services, as required by New York State General Municipal Law (GML) Section 103 or the Village’s procurement policy. Of the 20 purchases we reviewed totaling $469,283, Village officials did not seek competition for 18 purchases totaling $440,056. By not seeking competition, the Board of Trustees (Board) has less assurance that the Village obtained the most favorable terms and conditions in the best interest of its taxpayers. Competition was not sought for:
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HBR: Tip of the Day
Find the Meaning in Your Work If you don't feel like you have a career purpose, that’s okay; focus on finding meaning instead. While purpose represents an overarching goal, meaning is the feeling of satisfaction you get from your work. Here’s how to discover the meaning in your work. Start by identifying what brings you joy in the course of your day-to-day work life. Perhaps it’s collaborating with others, thinking creatively, or being a mentor. When do you feel that spark? Developing a clear sense of what you enjoy about the process of work will help you define a sense of meaning that you can pursue and follow throughout your career. Then think about the areas where you’re succeeding—and develop that greatness. Every job is comprised of a number of responsibilities. Ask yourself: Which ones do I consistently excel at? Where have I received good feedback? What skills am I excited to build on? You can derive meaning from a sense of mastery and deep expertise. When you enjoy the things you’re great at, that’s the sweet spot. This tip is adapted from “Your Career Doesn’t Need to Have a Purpose” by Stephen Friedman.
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